I hear about so many people that want to "draw the line" between business and personal. They won't friend coworkers on Facebook. They don't hang out with coworkers after hours. They try not to share too much personal stuff in the office.
I have news for you - You ARE a person. And as a result, you cannot shut off the personal stuff!
More importantly, you shouldn't.
I am friends with someone on Facebook that I know from work. We've never met face-to-face. A few weeks ago he was posting about a family emergency. I wouldn't have known about it otherwise. But, our paths crossed at work again the next week and we were able to chat about it. I could let him know I cared, and he appreciated it. It wasn't faceless work, it was two people that support each other in all things life.
When you are in the office, it's easy to catch up on the casual stuff at the water cooler or walking down the hallway. It's convenient for someone to show you their phone with the latest pic of their kid doing whatever it is they are into now. When you get to know people as more than machine parts building the work widget, somehow building that work widget becomes easier. That's because we aren't machines!
When you are differently located, it's hard to get connected to those casual encounters. By being disconnected from them, you become disconnected from work, which may result in less productivity, less engagement, and less quality. That sense of belonging is a strong driver and must be supplemented.
So for me, I don't draw a line that says coworkers must stay in this box, and non-coworkers in that box. It's one big box. I don't turn on/off like a robot. I am not emotionless like a robot.
My work life is richer because I know (and care) about the people I work with. Allowing them into my personal space doesn't intrude on my life, it makes my work better, and therefore makes my non-work better.
I'm not saying you need to suddenly friend 50,000 people are share your innermost secrets. But consider taking down the wall a little.
